Frequently asked questions (VPN)
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VPN Software Downloads
Visit the VPN User guides and software page to download the Cisco AnyConnect client or find information on other methods of setting up a VPN connection to the university network.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a VPN and when should I use it?
- How can I set up a VPN connection to UniSA's network?
- Do I need a VPN connection to access the University's intranet sites?
- Can UniSA staff use Windows Remote Desktop to access computers in the University from off campus?
- Why can't I see my network drives when connected by VPN?
- Do you have any suggestions for an Internet Service Provider?
- Can I use the VPN if I am not currently enrolled in a course?
What is a VPN and when should I use it?
You should use VPN in the following situations:
- when you are connected to the internet from outside University network (e.g. through an ISP, other organisations).
- you have a valid active UniSA network account (username and password).
- and you want to access the University's controlled resources (e.g. network shares).
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a combination of hardware and software that provides a secure link between two computers by creating a private 'tunnel' between them. It does this by authenticating the users through their username and password and by encrypting the information passing between the two.
UniSA VPN setup provides you with a secure connection when you are accessing the University network through your Internet Service Provider (ISP). To use UniSA's VPN setup you must first configure a VPN connection on your computer.
How can I set up a VPN connection to UniSA's network?
Visit the VPN User guides and software page to download the Cisco AnyConnect client or find information on other methods of setting up a VPN connection to the university network.
Do I need a VPN connection to access the University's intranet sites?
A VPN connection is only required to access the University's intranet sites from the 3G network or from your home wireless network. If you are on a UniSA campus or site you can connect to the UniSA wireless network. If you are visiting a participating eduroam institution you can connect to the eduroam wireless network.
Can UniSA staff use Windows remote desktop to access computers in the university from off-campus?
Windows remote desktop protocol (RDP) can be used by staff to access RDP-enabled computers (How do I enable Remote desktop on my work computer?). To remotely log on to your work computer from home you will need to use the Windows RDP client software on your home computer in conjunction with a connection to the University Corporate VPN. This will temporarily connect your home computer to the university network.
Windows RDP is installed by default in the Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. For older versions of Windows the RDP client can be downloaded from Microsoft (external site).
Connecting to the remote computer
- First make your VPN connection.
- Select Start, All Programs, Accessories,
and then select Remote desktop connection.
(Alternatively you can select Start, Run, type in mstsc and click OK.) - When the RDP client starts type in the full network name of the computer you wish to remotely control, then click on Connect.
What is my computer's network name?
The default name for most UniSA computers is <Org2><Blue Plate Number>. E.g. if you are in the School of Mathematics (Org2 code MAT) and your computer's Blue Plate number is 222888 then your computer name may be mat222888.
You may have to enter its full network name (e.g. mat222888.uninet.unisa.edu.au). If the ".uninet.unisa.edu.au" form of the address doesn't work try using your computer's campus domain name (ce, cw, mg, ml or wh) in place of "uninet". For the above example the name will be mat222888.ml.unisa.edu.au if the computer is at Mawson Lakes.
Still can't connect?
Try disabling any firewall you have installed on your system and try reconnecting. If you are now able to connect then your firewall is blocking your access. You may need to contact the company that created your firewall software for instructions on configuring the firewall to allow RDP connections (unblock TCP port 3389)
If all else fails please contact the IT Help Desk, 8302 5000 or IThelpdesk@unisa.edu.au
Why can't I see my network drives when connected by VPN?
If you are using a personal computer to connect to the UniSA network via VPN your network drives will not automatically be connected. You can however manually map the required network drives once you have established a VPN connection.
Before mapping a network drive you will need to know the correct path on the network (usually in the format: \\servername\sharepath) and may need to contact your local IT support for this information.
Do you have any suggestions for an Internet Service Provider?
The University of South Australia does not provide broadband internet access however many Internet Service Providers (ISP) have broadband services. A good overview of the services and plans available can be found at the Whirlpool website (link to an external site) which includes discussion forums, FAQs and the latest broadband news.
Can I use the VPN if I am not currently enrolled in a course?
Students must be currently enrolled in a course to access the university network using the VPN.